“In terms of” is a phrase commonly used to introduce a specific aspect or perspective when discussing a broader topic. It’s a valuable tool for IELTS test-takers, particularly in Writing Task 1 (describing data or diagrams) and Writing Task 2 (essay writing), to demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary and coherent organization of ideas.
Let’s examine some examples of how “in terms of” functions in different IELTS contexts:
- Writing Task 1: “In terms of overall sales, Company A outperformed its competitors during the first quarter.” (This sentence highlights a specific data point – overall sales – from a graph or chart.)
- Writing Task 2: “While technology has brought significant advancements, in terms of social interaction, it has also presented some challenges.” (Here, the phrase narrows the focus to the social impact of technology within a broader essay discussion.)
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, in terms of environmental protection, I think stricter regulations are necessary.” (This phrase helps structure the speaker’s response to a complex question by focusing on a specific aspect.)
Understanding “In Terms Of” for IELTS Success
Meaning and Usage in IELTS
“In terms of” signifies “with regard to,” “concerning,” or “from the standpoint of.” It allows you to shift the focus of your sentence to a specific lens through which you want the reader to interpret information. This phrase is especially valuable in academic writing, as it helps present information clearly and systematically.
Grammatical Structure and Variations
“In terms of” + noun phrase
This is the most common structure.
Example:
“In terms of public transportation, the city offers a comprehensive network of buses and trains.”
Variations:
- You can replace “in terms of” with synonyms like “regarding,” “concerning,” “with respect to,” or “when considering.”
- For more formal writing, consider “from the perspective of” or “in the context of.”
Applying “In Terms Of” in IELTS Writing
1. Writing Task 1:
-
Use “in terms of” to compare and contrast data points in graphs, charts, or diagrams.
- Example: “In terms of energy consumption, the industrial sector showed a significant increase, while residential use remained relatively stable.”
-
Highlight key trends or patterns.
- Example: “In terms of population growth, the city experienced a steady upward trend throughout the 20th century.”
2. Writing Task 2:
-
Structure your essay paragraphs by focusing on different aspects of an issue.
- Example: “In terms of economic benefits, tourism can provide jobs and boost local businesses.”
-
Transition smoothly between ideas.
- Example: “While globalization has led to increased trade, in terms of cultural preservation, it has raised some concerns.”
Using “In Terms Of” for a Higher Band Score
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Demonstrating a range of vocabulary is crucial for a higher band score. Use synonyms of “in terms of” appropriately to avoid repetition and showcase your lexical resource.
- Coherence and Cohesion: “In terms of” helps link ideas smoothly, enhancing the flow and coherence of your writing. This contributes to a higher score in the “Coherence and Cohesion” band descriptor.
- Task Achievement: By using “in terms of” effectively, you can address all aspects of the task prompt in a well-organized manner, thus fulfilling the task requirements and achieving a higher band score.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
-
Redundancy: Avoid using “in terms of” unnecessarily, especially when a simpler phrase would suffice.
- Incorrect: “The economy, in terms of its growth, is expected to improve.”
- Correct: “The economy is expected to experience growth.”
-
Informal Tone: While “in terms of” is acceptable in IELTS, avoid overly casual language.
- Informal: “So, in terms of the environment, it’s a big problem.”
- Formal: “Environmental concerns are a pressing issue.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “in terms of” can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking skills. By using this phrase strategically, you can achieve greater clarity, organization, and sophistication in your language, ultimately contributing to a higher band score. Remember to practice using “in terms of” and its synonyms in various contexts to improve your fluency and confidence. For further practice, explore how “in terms of” can be applied when discussing specific fields like rehabilitation (https://www.ielts.net/rehabilitation/), nursing (https://www.ielts.net/nurse/), pediatrics (https://www.ielts.net/pediatric/), or emergency services (https://www.ielts.net/emergency/), demonstrating your ability to adapt your language to different topics.